NCERT Solutions · Class 9 English · Kaveri · Unit 8
Believe in Yourself
Poem by Robert Langley · Complete Solutions · Pages 15–28
“The first step is the hardest — but once you take it, the rest of the journey becomes possible.”
— Robert Langley
Page 15
Reflect and Respond
Q·I
What emotions do you feel at the base of a difficult task? What makes you take the first step?
Answer
😰 Emotions at the Base
Fear of failure · Nervousness · Doubt · Anxiety about the unknown · But also: excitement for the challenge and determination to try
🚀 What Makes Me Take the First Step
Self-belief · Encouragement from family/friends · Remembering my goals · Thinking of the reward · Realising I’ll regret it if I don’t try
Q·II
Describe a time you faced a challenge. How did you feel at the start and after deciding to move forward?
Sample Answer
Once, I had to participate in a school debate competition for the first time. At the start, I felt extremely nervous — hands sweating, heart racing. I doubted whether I could speak in front of so many people.
Once I decided to move forward, I felt relief and confidence. Preparation gave me courage. After participating, I felt proud — even without winning, I had defeated my biggest enemy: my own fear.
Q·III
What does the phrase ‘believe in yourself’ mean to you?
Answer
Trusting my abilities
Self-confidence
Inner strength
Never giving up
Trying without fear
Knowing I am enough
Faith in my dreams
Self-respect
Standing tall in difficulties
Q·IV
Select the correct meaning of ‘status quo’ from the sentence given.
Answer
2. A situation to keep things the same.
‘Status quo’ is a Latin expression meaning the existing state of affairs — keeping things exactly as they are, without change.
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Page 17–18
Central Idea · Rhyme Scheme · Tone · Speaker
Believe in Yourself — Robert Langley (Selected Stanzas)
Step up to the challenge
There is no crowd to see,
It’s just you and the future
And where you want to be.
As it moves closer forward,
Will you stand in fear?
Will you make the right choices
As the future draws near?
There is such ease in comfort,
To keep the status quo.
But there’s so much more to strive for,
That’s how we learn to grow.
The first step is the hardest,
But please don’t turn back.
Just believe in yourself
And you’ll get on track.
Rhyme Scheme: ABCB · Highlighted words = rhyming pairs
Q·I
Select the correct central idea for each stanza.
Answer
Stanza 1
(i) Facing challenges requires personal responsibility and a clear focus on one’s future.
Stanza 2
(i) Fear and uncertainty make it difficult to make choices as the future approaches.
Stanza 3
(ii) Personal growth requires leaving behind comfort and embracing change.
Stanza 4
(ii) The first step towards change is difficult, but self-belief helps you stay on track.
Q·II–IV
Rhyme Scheme · Tone · Speaker
Rhyme Scheme (Q·II)
The poem follows a simple yet effective rhyme scheme ABCB that flows steadily through each stanza. Example — see/be · forward/fear/choices/near · comfort/quo/for/grow · hardest/back/yourself/track
Tone (Q·III)
| Statement | Verdict |
|---|---|
| The overall tone of the poem is motivational and encouraging. | TRUE |
| The tone shifts from thoughtful in the beginning to determination by the end. | TRUE |
Speaker (Q·IV)
The speaker is not distant; rather, they come across as a guide who understands the struggle and is encouraging the reader to take control of his/her own future. The use of direct address ‘You’ creates a close connection — as though the speaker is talking directly to the reader.
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Pages 18–19
Imagery · Symbolism · Metaphor · Antithesis
Q·V
Match the phrases with imagery.
Answer
| Phrase | Imagery / Meaning |
|---|---|
| “There is no crowd to see…” | (ii) Suggests a solitary journey — stressing individual effort and personal responsibility. |
| “push you back in fear?” | (iii) Evokes the mental barrier — the psychological wall that prevents growth and progress. |
Q·VI
Complete the sentences about symbolism with words from the box.
Answer
Comfort & Status Quo
Represent stagnation and fear of change — they symbolise the comfort zone that holds one back from growth.
The Future
Symbolises the unknown, the potential for change and success that lies ahead but requires courage to step into.
The First Step
Symbolises the initial leap of faith required to begin the journey of self-improvement or personal development.
Q·VII
Explain why ‘The first step is the hardest’ is metaphorical.
Answer
This line is metaphorical because the poet is not talking about a literal physical step. Instead, the “first step” represents the beginning of any new challenge, change, or personal goal.
The metaphor captures the fear, doubt, and hesitation we feel before starting anything important. It shows how the initial push to leave one’s comfort zone is the hardest part — once we take it, momentum builds and the path becomes easier.
Q·VIII
Identify the lines from the poem that show antithesis and explain why.
Example 1
“Will it pull you forward”
VS
“Or push you back in fear?”
Why antithesis: Opposite ideas — “pull forward” vs “push back” — with parallel grammatical structure. Highlights the choice: courage vs fear, progress vs retreat.
Example 2
“There is such ease in comfort”
VS
“But this isn’t how we grow”
Contrasts comfort with growth — staying comfortable feels easy but it prevents real personal development. These antithesis lines make the poem’s message powerful and memorable.
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Page 20
Critical Reflection — Extract
Step up to the challenge / There is no crowd to see, / It’s just you and the future / And where you want to be.
— Extract from the poem
i
What does ‘There is no crowd to see’ suggest about facing challenges?
Answer
This line suggests that facing challenges is a solitary, personal journey. There is no audience to cheer you on. You alone must find the strength inside yourself. Real challenges are fought silently, by ourselves — not for applause, but for our own growth.
ii
‘It’s just you and the future’ suggests that ___.
Answer
…your future is in your own hands. You alone are responsible for deciding the path you take and where you want to reach. No one else can shape your destiny — only you can.
iii
Fill in the blank: “Latha will ___ her efforts to improve her vocal performance by practicing harder each day.”
Answer
Latha will step up her efforts to improve her vocal performance by practising harder each day.
iv
Select the most suitable title for the extract.
Answer
C. A Journey of Growth — The extract focuses on personal responsibility and moving towards a better future, which is essentially a journey of growth and self-improvement.
v
Complete the analogy: achieve : goal :: face : ___
Answer
achieve : goal :: face : challenge
Just as we achieve a goal, we face a challenge. Both pairs show a purposeful relationship between action and target.
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Page 20
Answer the Following Questions
Q1
What is the significance of the metaphor ‘The first step is the hardest’ in personal growth?
Answer
- It highlights that starting something new is the most difficult part of any journey
- The fear, doubt, and hesitation before beginning are often greater than the actual challenges that follow
- Once we take that first step, momentum builds and confidence grows
- It motivates us to overcome inertia and take action toward our goals
Growth begins the moment we move out of our comfort zone. The first step is a gateway — hard to enter, but once crossed, the rest of the journey unfolds.
Q2
What message does the antithesis convey about personal development?
Answer
The antithesis (“pull you forward / push you back in fear”) conveys that personal development is a constant battle between courage and fear:
- Growth is not automatic — we must actively choose it
- We are always at a crossroads — move forward or stay back
- True development requires breaking free from comfort and embracing change
- Our choices shape our journey — fear holds us back, courage pushes us forward
Q3
Is the poet’s message realistic in the context of real-world struggles?
Answer
The poet’s message is partly realistic. While self-belief is the foundation of success, it alone is not always enough.
Other factors also needed
Hard work · Proper planning · Support from family/friends · Skills and education · Financial means · Right opportunities at the right time
But self-belief is the start
Without self-belief, none of these other factors can be fully used. It gives us the courage to use all other tools — it is the starting engine.
Q4
Describe a situation where you or someone you know took a difficult first step. How does the poem’s message apply?
Sample Answer
My elder sister wanted to become a doctor, but our family faced financial difficulties. The first step she took was to apply for scholarships and prepare for medical entrance exams without any coaching. Fear of failure was enormous, and many people doubted her. But she believed in herself and worked tirelessly.
After two years of hard work, she got admission to a top medical college with a full scholarship. The poem applies perfectly — without self-belief, she would never have taken that hard first step. The first step was indeed the hardest, but once taken, her future got on track.
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Pages 21–22
Vocabulary — Latin Expressions
Q·I
Fill in the blanks with the correct Latin expressions.
Answer
e.g.
exempli gratia
for example
I enjoy reading fantasy books, e.g. Harry Potter and Magical Paint Brush.
quid pro quo
quid pro quo (Latin)
a favour given in return for something
Ritu asked for a quid pro quo to lend her notes next time.
etc.
et cetera
and so on / and other things
I love trekking, hiking, biking, etc.
per se
per se (Latin)
by itself / fundamentally / intrinsically
The park is not very special per se; it becomes fun with friends.
ad hoc
ad hoc (Latin)
for a specific temporary purpose
We created an ad hoc team to organise the school festival.
in media res
in media res (Latin)
in the middle of things / beginning abruptly mid-action
The movie started in media res — hero already fighting the villain.
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Pages 22–23
Rhetorical Questions
Q·II.1
State what the rhetorical questions intend to achieve.
Answer
“Isn’t it obvious we must act now? Don’t we all have a responsibility?”
Intent: To urge people to take immediate action and feel a sense of collective responsibility. Makes readers reflect on urgency and inspire participation in change.
“Will we let fear control us, or will we rise above it?”
Intent: To challenge people to choose courage over fear. Forces the reader to think about which path they want to take — retreat or growth.
Q·II.2
Match the situations with the correct rhetorical questions.
Answer
| Situation | Rhetorical Question |
|---|---|
| (i) Deciding whether to stand up for what is right | F. How can we stay silent when we know what is right? |
| (ii) Owning up to a mistake in a group project | B. Isn’t it better to admit our mistakes than to let them define us? |
| (iii) Deciding whether to try public speaking | A. How can we ever grow if we never try anything new? |
| (iv) Choosing between two career paths | D. Can I really move forward without knowing which path to take? |
| (v) Deciding whether to apologise for a mistake | C. If I don’t take responsibility now, when will I? |
| (vi) Stepping out of comfort zone | E. What’s the point of playing it safe if it means staying stuck? |
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Page 24
Speaking Activity — Proverbs Role Play
Speak
Role-play based on three proverbs — meaning, situation, and lesson.
Answer
1
“Don’t judge a book by its cover.”
Meaning
Don’t form opinions based only on appearances or first impressions.
Situation
I judged a shy classmate as ‘rude’. Later I discovered she was the kindest and smartest in our class.
Lesson
Always give people a chance before forming opinions.
2
“Actions speak louder than words.”
Meaning
What people do matters more than what they say.
Situation
A friend who promised to help me study never did. Another, who said nothing, sat with me daily and helped me improve.
Lesson
Look at what people do, not just what they say.
3
“When the going gets tough, the tough get going.”
Meaning
Strong people work harder when situations become difficult.
Situation
When I failed in my first Maths test, I made a study plan, practised daily, and scored full marks next time.
Lesson
Difficulties are tests of strength — face them with courage, not surrender.
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Pages 25–26
Writing Task — Speech on ‘Turning Challenges into Opportunities’
Speech
Draft a speech on ‘Turning Challenges into Opportunities’.
Sample Speech
Turning Challenges into Opportunities
Opening
Good morning, respected Principal, teachers, and my dear friends. Thomas Edison once said, “Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.” Today, I, Aarav Sharma of Class 9, stand before you to speak on ‘Turning Challenges into Opportunities.’ Have you ever wondered why some people grow stronger through their struggles while others give up easily? The answer lies in how we view challenges.
Body — Seeds Within Challenges
Friends, every challenge carries within it the seed of an opportunity. When we face difficulties, we are forced to think creatively, work harder, and discover strengths we never knew. For instance, when Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam faced poverty as a child, he sold newspapers to support his education. That hardship taught him discipline and humility — qualities that made him the Missile Man of India. Similarly, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar faced terrible discrimination but never gave up, and he wrote our great Indian Constitution. Don’t you agree that their challenges actually made them stronger?
Body — Stepping Out of Comfort Zone
Many of us feel scared when change knocks at our door. Stepping out of our comfort zone feels risky, doesn’t it? But as poet Robert Langley reminds us, “The first step is the hardest.” To turn challenges into opportunities, we must adopt a positive mindset — see problems as puzzles, not walls. Hard times also build skills, determination, and confidence, which are essential for true success.
Conclusion
My dear friends, life will always test us with challenges, but it is up to us to convert them into golden opportunities. Let us face difficulties with courage, hard work, and self-belief. Remember — diamonds are formed only under great pressure. So next time a challenge comes your way, smile and say, “This is my chance to shine!”
Thank you. 🙏
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Pages 26–28
Learning Beyond the Text & Quick Revision
LBT
Great Indian personalities who turned challenges into opportunities.
Answer
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
Challenge: Discrimination & Untouchability
Faced terrible humiliation and discrimination at school. With grit and perseverance, he studied Politics and Economics, became a great jurist and social reformer, and became Chairperson of the Drafting Committee of the Indian Constitution.
Lal Bahadur Shastri
Challenge: Lost father at age 1.5, poverty
Walked miles barefoot to school in extreme weather. Earned the title “Shastri” (scholar) and later became the Prime Minister of India — known for humility, service, and patriotism.
Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
Challenge: Financial difficulties
Delivered newspapers before dawn to help his family. Became a renowned scientist — the ‘Missile Man of India’ — and the 11th President of India. His hardship taught him hard work and independence.
Poem 2
“Always Believe in Yourself” by Dorothy Hewitt (Page 28) — Summary
Summary
Always believe
Always believe in yourself and your unique abilities
Don’t limit yourself
Remove self-imposed limits — your potential is greater than you think
Be kind to yourself
Self-compassion is as important as hard work and effort
Trust your ability
Believe in your own intelligence and capability to solve problems
Persist always
Even if results don’t come as expected, continue — never give up
Open heart
Keep your heart and hands open to receive all of life’s gifts and opportunities
Theme: Self-belief, persistence, and an open heart are the keys to receiving everything life has to offer.
Rev
Quick Revision — Key Vocabulary
Answer
status quo
The existing state of affairs — keeping things as they are
stagnation
Lack of growth or development; being stuck in one place
antithesis
A contrast of two opposite ideas in a parallel grammatical structure
metaphor
Direct comparison without ‘like’ or ‘as’
rhetorical question
A question asked for effect — not expecting an actual answer
imagery
Use of words to create vivid mental pictures in the reader’s mind
symbolism
Use of symbols to represent deeper ideas or concepts
e.g. / etc. / per se
for example / and so on / by itself — common Latin expressions
ad hoc
Created for a specific, temporary purpose only
in media res
Beginning a story in the middle of action
quid pro quo
A favour given in return for something else
ABCB
Rhyme scheme: lines 2 and 4 rhyme; lines 1 and 3 do not
Poem
Believe in Yourself — by Robert Langley; 4 stanzas, ABCB rhyme scheme; motivational tone
Central Theme
Self-belief and courage are needed to leave the comfort zone and face the future with confidence
Key Metaphor
“The first step is the hardest” — starting something new is the most challenging part of any journey
Antithesis
“pull you forward / push you back” · “ease in comfort / this isn’t how we grow” — courage vs fear
Symbolism
Comfort zone = stagnation · Future = unknown potential · First step = leap of faith
Speaker
A guide figure; uses “You” directly — creates closeness, not distance. Motivational, not preachy
Tone Shift
Thoughtful at the start (stanzas 1–2) → determined and encouraging by the end (stanzas 3–4)
Latin Expressions
e.g. · etc. · per se · ad hoc · in media res · quid pro quo — all used in English today
Rhetorical Questions
Asked for effect (not expecting an answer) — to urge action, inspire courage, and challenge thinking
Great Personalities
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar · Lal Bahadur Shastri · Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam — all turned challenges into triumphs
🚶 Facing challenges is a solitary journey — no crowd will cheer you on
⚔️ Choose courage over fear · growth over comfort
🌱 The first step is the hardest — but it is essential
💖 Believe in yourself — and you’ll get on track! — Central Theme of “Believe in Yourself” · Robert Langley
⚔️ Choose courage over fear · growth over comfort
🌱 The first step is the hardest — but it is essential
💖 Believe in yourself — and you’ll get on track! — Central Theme of “Believe in Yourself” · Robert Langley